Texas Democrats took their state trooper escorts to one unexpected spot: A Dallas gay bar, and the reaction is, well, complex, to say the least. It’s like a scene ripped straight from a movie, a mix of political statement, mischievous rebellion, and perhaps a dash of plain old discomfort, depending on your perspective. Some see it as a hilarious bit of trolling, a clever way to subvert the power dynamic. Others view it with a more critical lens, pointing out the deeper implications of the situation and the underlying power structures at play.
The idea of state troopers being “taken” anywhere, especially by Democrats, raises immediate questions.… Continue reading
In a display of support, former Vice President Kamala Harris lauded Texas Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier for her stand against the GOP, calling her a “hero” for refusing to comply with 24-hour police surveillance. Collier was among the Democrats who fled Texas to block a new congressional map, and her refusal resulted in her being confined to the House floor. She, along with other Democrats, have filed legal challenges and are fighting against the GOP’s actions as a vote on the redistricting plan is expected.
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In an effort to delay the approval of redrawn congressional districts, Texas Democrats have returned to the state’s capitol, with many refusing to sign “permission slips” required to leave the chamber, as per new protocols. These protocols, established by Republicans, involve Democrats being escorted by designated officers. Representative Nicole Collier, choosing to remain confined inside the chamber, has condemned the process as demeaning and an attack on her dignity. This move follows a two-week quorum break, which has delayed Republicans’ effort to redraw the state’s congressional districts.
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In a recent Zoom call with Texas state Democrats, former President Barack Obama delivered a sharp critique of efforts to gerrymander congressional districts and suppress voting, specifically targeting actions perceived as an assault on democracy. The meeting served as both a pep talk and a strategy session, during which Obama emphasized the need to fight for democratic principles. He also expressed gratitude to the Texas Democrats for their efforts in highlighting the redistricting fight and inspiring other states to retaliate against Republican plans. Obama’s involvement underscores his commitment to combating partisan gerrymandering, further evidenced by his upcoming fundraiser to support Eric Holder’s National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
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So, let’s dive right into it: the headline is Illinois judge denies Paxton’s request to help arrest Texas Democrats. It’s pretty straightforward, but the story behind it is anything but. The crux of the issue is this: Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, wanted Illinois to get involved in bringing back some Texas Democrats who had left the state. But the Illinois judge wasn’t having any of it.
Why would an Illinois judge even consider helping out with a matter like this? The original request was essentially to assist in a civil matter, not a criminal one. The warrants themselves weren’t for criminal charges; they were related to the Texas Democrats’ departure from the state.… Continue reading
Texas Democrats to return after governor ends special session that included redistricting, sources say.
Alright, so here’s the deal: the first special session in Texas, the one that had everyone on edge about redistricting, has come to an end. And what does this mean? According to, well, sources familiar with the matter, Texas Democrats are heading back. But let’s be clear: it’s not exactly a victory parade. It’s more like a strategic regrouping, a pause to catch their breath before the next round. And believe me, based on the buzz, the next round is absolutely coming.
The big question on everyone’s mind, and trust me, it’s echoing around, is whether this is all a carefully laid trap.… Continue reading
Gov. JB Pritzker dismissed the notion of FBI agents arresting Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled to Illinois to halt a Republican redistricting plan, calling the situation “grandstanding.” Pritzker welcomed the FBI to Illinois, but clarified that they could not arrest the visiting lawmakers due to a lack of federal law prohibiting their presence. The drama began when Texas Democrats left the state to delay a special session called to address devastating floods and a Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan aimed at gaining seats. Pritzker mentioned that Illinois is considering its options, including a potential new map, if Texas Republicans proceed with their plans, and has welcomed the Texas Democrats to the state.
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FBI granted request to locate fleeing Texas House Democrats, Sen. Cornyn says, and frankly, it feels like we’ve stumbled into a political thriller. The whole situation is loaded with so much potential for conflict, and the implications are significant. It’s hard to ignore the layers of hypocrisy and the precedent being set here.
The core issue is this: Texas House Democrats, in an effort to prevent the passage of certain legislation, left the state and are currently in Illinois. Senator John Cornyn has stated that the FBI has been asked to help locate them. Now, on the surface, that might seem innocuous.… Continue reading
Texas Democrats fleeing Trump’s redistricting didn’t abandon us. Gov. Greg Abbott did.
It’s clear, isn’t it? The narrative being pushed that Texas Democrats, by leaving the state to block the Republican’s redistricting efforts, somehow abandoned their constituents just doesn’t hold water. The opposite is demonstrably true. These elected officials are fighting tooth and nail against a blatant power grab, a calculated attempt to rig the system, and strip away the voices of Texas voters. They’re not running away; they’re making a stand. The real abandonment, the true betrayal of the people, is coming from Governor Greg Abbott and the Republican-controlled legislature.… Continue reading
Texas Democrats who fled to Illinois were indeed forced to evacuate their hotel after receiving a bomb threat, a situation that has understandably sparked a lot of concern and strong reactions. It’s a scenario that evokes a mix of frustration, anger, and fear, reflecting the current political climate. The immediate reality is that these lawmakers, having left Texas in an effort to block the passage of a new congressional district map, were subjected to a direct threat of violence.
The initial report from the St. Charles Police Department in Illinois confirms the bomb threat and the subsequent evacuation of the hotel.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker